My own personal blog. I am member of the UNISON NEC for Community (All UK Housing Associations & the Voluntary sector) and a Labour Councillor for West Ham ward in Newham, London. Centre left and proud member of Labour movement family.

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

World AIDS Day - December 1

World AIDS Day is held on the 1st
December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite
in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV
and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first
ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

Why is World AIDS Day important?

Over 100,000 people are living with HIV in the
UK. Globally there are an estimated 34 million people who have the
virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35
million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most
destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV
treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we
understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in
the UK around 6,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know
the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and
discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the
condition.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds
the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a
vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and
improve education.

What should I do on World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show support
to and solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV. Wearing a
red ribbon is one simple way to do this. Find out where you can get a red ribbon.
World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT (National AIDS Trust)
and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired
to hold an event, such as a bake sale, or simply sell red ribbons,
visit our fundraising page. If you’d like to see events that others are holding please visit our events page.

But what about after World AIDS Day?

Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to
talk about HIV, it is important to keep the momentum going all year
round. Sign up to NAT's newsletter
which will keep you up to date with all the new developments in HIV and
the work of the National AIDS Trust, or visit our website, HIVaware, for more information.

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About John's Labour blog

This is my own personal blog and nothing officially to do with
my employer, my trade union, Labour Party or Newham Council. Please email me on
John.Gray2012ATicloud.com if you have serious
concerns about anything on this blog.

Born and brought up in Buckley, North Wales. Leeds University Graduate. Westminster University PGDip. I now
live in East London but have also lived in Yorkshire and Scotland. I have worked
previously for a local authority and currently for a large Housing Association
which has property across England.

I am the UNISON (UK public services trade union) Greater London
Housing Association Branch Secretary and National Executive Committee Member
for Community (Housing Associations and Voluntary Sector). Chair of London
Labour Link (APF) and member National Labour Link Committee. NEC Committee
member on National Policy & Development, Industrial Action and
also UNISON Staff Pension scheme, Chair of its Investment subcommittee and "There for you" Welfare trustee.

UNISON Local Government NJC, Greater London Regional Council Officer and Deputy
Chair of London Europe & International Committee.